Drivers can add a symbol that stands for hope and generosity on something drivers carry with them everywhere – a driver’s license.

Oldham Co. Circuit Clerk Rick Rash

Like Indiana, Ohio and several other states, Kentuckians will soon have the option to have an organ donor heart printed on their license.

For more than 20 years, circuit clerks across the Commonwealth have been educating their communities about the life-saving mission of organ donation.

“Thousands of kids and adults are waiting for an organ transplant today. Now, Kentuckians can proudly show their support for these patients in need,” said Oldham County Circuit Court Clerk Rick Rash.

When renewing a license, deputy clerks ask all Kentuckians if they would like to be a registered organ donor. Everyone who says “yes” will have the option to have a small, blue heart with the words “Organ Donor” printed on his or her license.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has worked with clerks and the Trust for Life to add the heart symbol on driver’s licenses and ID cards.

“The organ donor heart will emphasize that it’s not about signing the back of your license anymore. It’s about saying ‘Yes’ and joining the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry,” explained Shelley Snyder, executive director of the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks’ Trust For Life.

Each day, 18 people die waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Every 10 minutes a new name is added to the waiting list.

Only 35 percent of Kentuckians are registered organ donors.

“Everyone who comes into my office for a driver’s license or ID can add his or her name to the confidential registry and receive the organ donor heart. Every heart we print, gives hope to patients and families in need,” Rash said.

All Kentucky residents can join the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry at their Circuit Court Clerk’s office or online at www.donatelifeky.org.